Enter Don't Let It Loose Media Contest

ENTRIES DUE BY APRIL 22, 2015 ~5:00 PM

Together, we invite high school students to become part of the solution and help spread the word about "Don't Let it Loose"

One of the many ways harmful invaders show up in Oregon is by pet owners, gardeners and others releasing animals or plants they no longer want into the wild. Pouring organisms into storm drains, flushing down the toilet, or simply letting pets "free" out of the back door, all increase the risk that some of these non-native fish, aquarium plants, snails, crayfish, frogs, turtles, plants and critters thrive so well in Oregon that they overtake our native species, threatening the habitat for wildlife and harming our clean rivers and waters.

Even though it seems kind to let an animal loose rather than to kill it outright, not only could it become an invasive species, its not the humane choice. Rather than letting it loose, we hope people will find these unwanted plants and animals a new home, return it to the pet shop, or consult your veterinarian regarding humane euthanasia options.